8 successful student businesses started at university

April 12th, 2012 by Hannah No comments »

A growing number of students at university are not just concentrating on their degree or their social life, but on starting their own businesses.

Some of the most influential companies have risen from university projects to world-dominating giants. Technology businesses are particularly successful student started companies because they have a very large potential market and are easier to run without much space or expense. Many businesses that have been set up specifically to cover the costs of university have turned into million pound companies and as a result have made their founders household names.

From the world’s largest social network to champagne importation into the UK, here are some of the most successful and intriguing businesses to have been started by students at university:

1. Facebook – started famously in a Harvard bedroom by Mark Zuckerberg in 2004. Facebook began as a site designed to connect students of the Ivy League school online. Within a month, the network had spread to other universities and eventually to everyone. Today there are 845 million members worldwide.

2. Time Magazine – started at Yale University in 1923 by two classmates Briton Hadden and Henry Luce. The pair created the first weekly news magazine in the U.S. at just 23 years old. Today, Time magazine is the largest weekly news magazine in the world, boasting a readership of 25 million people.

3.Google – started at Stanford University in 1996 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin. The PhD students set out to change the search engine. Once upon a time, search engines ranked results by counting how many times a term appeared in a result. The pair developed a new technology called PageRank, which measured a site’s relevance based on the number and importance of its pages. Page and Brin today are worth more than US$30 billion combined.

4. WordPress – started at University of Houston in 2003 by Matt Mullenweg. The publishing platform behind nearly every blog online quickly expanded, powering 2,000 blogs by the spring of that year. As of last year, of the top one million most-trafficked websites on the Internet, WordPress powered nearly 15% of them.

5. Insomnia Cookies – started by a student at the University of Pennsylvania. The late night cookie delivery service was founded when the usual takeaway options of pizza or Chinese food didn’t satisfy his sweet tooth. Insomnia Cookies is now a chain of 20 cookie-delivery services across America.

Some student businesses closer to home:

7. First Class Products – started at Exeter University by geography student Tom Ellis. He found success importing champagne into the UK. He stumbled across the idea after tasting Leroux-Mineau champagne and set up the company after learning that it was not yet being sold in Britain.

8. Gelato Mio – a thriving ice-cream parlour started by London Business School students Carlo Del Mistro and his wife Simone in 2008 in Holland Park, West London.

9. Beautiful Bottoms – started in 2009 at Newcastle University Business School by third year marketing and management students Lauren Skerritt and Poppy Sexton-Wainwright.  The lingerie business received celebrity endorsement from Britain’s Got Talent judge and actress Amanda Holden and former Treasure Hunt presenter Anneka Rice. The girls borrowed £9,000 to launch thebusiness and repaid three-quarters of that within weeks of starting trading.
Running a business whilst studying at university is not only a great way to make some extra cash but to develop entrepreneurial skills which are much-valued in the graduate job market. It could even be a world changing idea! So keep your eyes peeled for unexpected opportunities. Can you think of any other successful enterprises have been started by students?

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How to use your work commute effectively

April 3rd, 2012 by Hannah No comments »

With more and more people prepared to travel long distances to work the commute can often take up a significant amount of our day. This journey can be a stressful experience for most workers and time sat on public transport can feel wasted.

The commute need not be time wasted – you just need to look at it from a different perspective. Thinking about your commute in a more positive and practical light will allow you to get the most out of your trip and ensure you start your working day on the right foot.

The traveling can be exhausting and come Friday all you want to do is roll up your coat to make a pillow and have a snooze. However, don’t be tempted as morning naps have little benefit and can make you feel groggy – not the best way to start the day!

Here are our tips on how best to make use of this time:

  • Learn a new skill or complete a course. Sitting on a train is a great time to learn a new skill such as a new language. There are many online courses or apps that you can complete in small sections on your commute. This will be a great way to enhance your career prospects in the future.
  • Catch up with people or network. It is often hard to find time to catch up with old friends and family members so why not use this time to contact the people you love. It may go against British thinking but take time to talk with a stranger on the train (but don’t be invasive). You don’t know who you could meet and it could lead to some amazing contacts.
  • Get reading. Reading in general is a great way to spend your commute, but if possible try and read a text relevant to your work. You could teach yourself something new and gain more insight into your own industry. You should also read the news, it is important to keep up-to-date with general news and developments in your industry. To know what is going on in the world is important in a working environment as it is not only a conversation starter but allows you to join in with others.
  • Make plans and write lists. Why not get a head start on your day by writing your to do list. This could be a short term plan of action for the day to prioritise your tasks effectively or it could be a longer term plan of what you want to achieve in the next week, month or year. You could also write yourself a shopping list. A mundane task, yes, but by planning your meals for the week you could save time and money.
  • Read emails and draft responses. Save time when you are at your desk by reading emails from the evening before and drafting your response.
  • Update your social media. Use the time to Tweet about a relevant issue, respond to Tweets or create a personal blog and write posts.
  • Get organised and do some research. Think about places you would like to visit and plan your next holiday or start looking for houses if you are planning on moving out. You could also get ahead for the working day by conducting research for an article you are going to write.
  • Apply for a new job. You could use the time to research new jobs, make a shortlist, update your CV, write cover letters and send off applications.
  • Cheeky little stay in bed tip! Eat your breakfast or put your make-up on on the train (this does take some skill).

Be proactive and practical on your work commute and you will soon find that you are gaining time not losing it.

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9 ways to make a great impression at careers fairs

March 28th, 2012 by Hannah No comments »

Careers fairs, at university or otherwise, are an important resource for job seekers. They offer an excellent opportunity to introduce yourself to potential employers and market yourself in your chosen industry. Even if you don’t get a graduate internship or job as a direct result of the fair, they can be valuable in expanding your network, learning about the industry, gathering company information, honing interview skills, building up your confidence meeting potential employers…the list goes on.

To make the most of careers fairs and the connections you make you need to ensure your first impression makes a memorable impact.  It is important to remember that anyone you meet at the fair could be prospective employer, so you want to stand out in a positive way.

Here are a few tips on how to maximise your chance of success at a careers fair:

  1. Prepare for the event. Write and practise a short marketing pitch about yourself so when a recruiter asks about your background you will be able to answer confidently. Think of some questions you can ask and also come up with some answers to questions you may be asked.  For example, “Why would you like to work at … Company?”
  2. Do your research. Research the companies attending the event so you can impress the recruiter with your pro-activity and knowledge, be able to communicate effectively and present yourself in a way that relates to the needs of the company.
  3. Dress appropriately. This doesn’t necessarily mean wearing a suit but do make sure that you show you take pride in your appearance and look smart. Recruiters will recognise and appreciate if you have taken time to dress appropriately and will focus on listening to you and your potential with the company.
  4. Make a strong first impression. Approach the recruiter confidently, with a smile, look them in the eye, offer a firm handshake and introduce yourself confidently, “Hello, my name is Jimmy, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
  5. Have business cards and CVs at hand. Make sure your CV is updated, error-free and highlights your skills and experiences in a broad way that can apply to many positions.
  6. Don’t be shy. As with all forms of networking, it is daunting to approach strangers to chat about your careers opportunities, but you will almost always be met with a friendly response.  Make sure you speak clearly, do not interrupt and ask open-ended questions that will help you gather information and show you are interested in the company.  Remember to ask for a business card!
  7. Take mints but avoid chewing gum. No one likes smelly breath, especially your future boss but avoid chewing gum, this is not a good look!
  8. Be open to new opportunities. Careers fairs offer a great opportunity to find out about companies and jobs that you may never have even considered before. So keep your mind open to new opportunities, you never know what you might discover!
  9. Follow up. After the event, if you obtained any email addresses, send a thank-you email to any employers you feel you had a positive meeting with. This will ensure that the employer remembers you and makes another good impression. It will show your professionalism and interest and maintains an open line of communication. Keep it professional, to the point and remember to proof read it. Thank them for their time and express that you have a keen interest in working for the company and mention why this job is such a great fit for you.

So next time a you are planning to attend a careers fair make sure you remember to do your research, update your personal profile and practise those handshakes and marketing pitches. Easy!

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Be Your Own Boss – BBC Three

March 26th, 2012 by Guest No comments »

BBC Three commissions a new high stakes entrepreneurial show with Richard Reed

The ultimate search for hot new business-blooded talent is on.

In “BE YOUR OWN BOSS”(working title) leading entrepreneur and co-founder of Innocent Drinks, Richard Reed, is on the hunt for the next generation of start-up superstars – and he’s got up to £1million to invest in the right people with the best ideas.

It took the faith and investment of one man to turn Richard and his friends’ idea into a multi-million-pound empire.  Now he wants to do the same for a new wave of young entrepreneurs, bringing passion, high stakes and opportunity to the cream of young British business talent.

The search is on for groups of friends with killer ideas, hungry for a shot at life-changing investment.

The series kicks off with an attention-grabbing test of entrepreneurial skill when Richard hands the 500 best applicants some cash to see just how easily they can turn a profit. Disregarding traditional elimination formats, Richard will draw on his own business philosophy to help determine who should have a chance at the kind of big money that turns business dreams into reality.

Richard Reed said: “Setting up and running innocent with my friends has been a life-enhancing adventure. That’s why I’m excited to be part of this new series giving others the chance to have the same experience, starting their own business and setting them up to become successful entrepreneurs.”

Apply for your slice of Richard Reed’s investment fund, up to £1m available http://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/beonashow/

The application process is open for a limited time so if you’ve got a great business idea apply today!

Follow us on twitter: @BYOBoss_BBC3

Join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Be-Your-Own-Boss-BBC-Three/365962350095405

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Calling all first years: get out of bed – guest blog

March 22nd, 2012 by Guest No comments »

Guest blog by university fresher, Hannah Wann.

Alarm goes off. Hit snooze; the lecture can wait. Sound familiar? Everyone knows that being a fresher at university is all about going out too much, rarely emerging from your bed and doing the minimum of the little work that you’re required to do.  First year is like a cosy bubble where the reality of the coming years of dissertations, placements and job-hunting seem far, far away and the most important things of your agenda are stocking up on baked beans and avoiding the library at all costs.

However, although the real world seems like a comfortingly safe distance away in your first terms at university, it will creep up on you a lot quicker than you think. Before you know it you will be faced with the stressful task of applying for internships and jobs and trying to make yourself look employable, while at the same time having actual important exams to revise for and less hours to do it all in thanks to your new timetable. So, instead of taking for granted the ease of first year and whiling away you copious amounts of free time doing… pretty much nothing, get a little proactive! The job market isn’t getting any easier and with thousands of unemployed graduates applying for the same internships and positions, if you want to stand out at all and have a chance of being successful when you get to that point, you need to put the work in. The earlier you start this process, the easier it is, and the better your CV will be in a year or two. First year is a brilliant time to begin as your work load is light and your hours are few.

If you’re wondering ‘where do I start?’, here are my tips for getting the career-ball rolling:

-          Research -research placements, internships and companies in the field or industry you’re interested in, educating yourself on where takes interns or has graduate schemes and keeping up to date with new opportunities. If you get into this early and get connected with what’s going on, it will be a lot less daunting when it finally comes to applying. Research thoroughly and not just for the obvious, large companies, as you’re much more likely to secure an internship or job in a smaller one as fewer applicants apply.

-          Read blogs (like this one!) -this can really help as you can learn from other students’ and graduates’ experiences, get ideas and get motivated. You quickly learn that you are not the only one finding it difficult to find work experience!

-          Update your CV – before going to university it was all about the UCAS applications, now it’s the CV. I don’t know about you but I hadn’t updated mine since I was sixteen and applying to my first waitressing job – it was gathering dust. There are numerous blogs and websites out there to help to with this and don’t forget it’s not all about academic achievements and work experience, extracurricular activities make you interesting.

-          Make yourself employable – try and get any work experience you can in the area you’re interested in so you can then add to your CV.  Even if they’re just small tasks, such as handing out flyers for a company, you have to start somewhere. There’s quite a lot of work experience that you can do while still in university and not just on a placement year, so think outside the box. Also, get volunteering or doing charity work, show what you can do with your skills.

Now there are no excuses! The duvet and Facebook can wait.

(You will thank yourself for this.)

Follow Hannah on Twitter @HannahMarieWann.

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How to use work events to your advantage

March 16th, 2012 by Hannah No comments »

Inspiring Laser Tag event. Who is that bloke in glasses pulling a ridiculous face?

Work events offer a great opportunity for interns and new staff members to network, impress and bond with colleagues. It is an avenue to both build existing relationships in a non-work environment and to network with people in different departments. The purpose of work events is to build moral, bringing colleagues together for a bit of camaraderie and well-earned recognition.

As a new staff member a faultless attendance record is a must unless you have a very good reason. The office party is part of the job and can also be a great time to impress the powers that be and put your career into the next gear.

Socialising at work events can be complicated; especially if drinks are on the company card and your alcohol tolerance resembles that of a toddler. As the alcohol begins to flow and the not-at-work euphoria sets in, it is important to remember that it’s just as easy to advance your career as it is to cripple it.

Here are a few tips on how to use work events to your advantage:

  • Interact with as many people as possible, especially key people like the boss. Work events are a good ways to forge connections, so you should maximise your face time with your colleagues and boss.
  • Introduce yourself to people from the office that you haven’t met. These events are a great way to interact with people from different departments whom you normally don’t get a chance to talk to.
  • Make sure that what you wear reflects well on you professionally. This is not the time to show up in your most revealing outfit. If you don’t know what to wear and need some guidance then double check with co-workers.
  • Stand out by being sociable and appearing fun and likeable. It is a good time to show your personality and have a laugh outside office hours. Don’t just talk about yourself but show an interest in others and try to find common ground such as; hobbies, entertainment, sports, current events, or mutual acquaintances.  Overall, being friendly, controlled, and socially mature will get you a lot further than bragging or trying too hard to stand out.
  • Don’t get into a heated argument over a topic that is controversial, offensive, or bound to cause conflict.
  • Avoid bad-mouthing or gossip. It is better to go the high road and not join in with office tittle-tattle.
  • When it comes to alcohol, don’t feel like you have to drink but if you chose to, remember moderation is key. Know your limits and decide how many drinks are appropriate. There is no harm in getting merry but think about the impression you are setting. Keep an eye on how much your colleagues are drinking but don’t feel like you have to keep up.

Most importantly have fun and enjoy yourself! That is what they are for. Do you have any funny/embarrassing/disastrous work event stories to share?

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Why being a graduate in 2012 is a good thing – guest blog

March 9th, 2012 by Guest No comments »

By guest blogger Corin Jackson.

If you’re anything like me then the media is largely, well, doing your head in right now. Everywhere you look there are looming reminders that it’s near enough impossible to get a job. Your dreams of the future are being hacked into smaller pieces every day, and sometimes you even find yourself wondering why you bothered going to university. The friends you left at home that didn’t go to university are thinking about sharing a flat together, and they can most certainly afford to run a car. The jobs they do, and have done for years, actually pay real money into their bank accounts – something that has become a distant fantasy for a lot of us. In many ways, leaving university jobless can seem pretty dismal.

Despite all that, being a graduate in 2012 is, believe it or not, a good thing. Not convinced? Read on.

The virtual you

Facebook and Twitter have never been taken so seriously, and you’re all pros. Networking has never been easier, as well as putting yourself and your ideas out there. Sites such as WordPress and Blogspot have been pushed to the forefront and setting up your own blog is not only wonderfully straightforward, it’s free. Where there’s a blog, there’s a business opportunity.

Don’t even get me started about LinkedIn – a site that saves you from constantly having to be ‘in the right place at the right time’, because virtually, you’re already there. Yes, it’s hard work finding a job, but there’s a much higher chance of eventually finding the right job for you purely because you have no choice but to know yourselves inside out. You’ve spent so much time projecting an online version of your personalities that you’ve become reprogrammed with a better sense of professional identity.

The choice

Gaining work experience through internships means that you have a better sense of what you’re good at, what you enjoy and what you would eventually like to end up doing. Despite feeling like taking the first job prospect might have to suffice, working in a whole host of environments provides the luxury of choice. There is a strong likelihood that the internship that amounts to a job will be the one you enjoyed and excelled in the most. It will probably be something you’d never thought of doing, and something you’d never have done if you’d landed a job straight away. Class of 2012, you are the most experienced, well-equipped and self-aware graduates to date. Not only that, you’ll be the graduates that appreciate and treasure their jobs the most, having worked so very hard to find the right one.

The prolonged sense of youth

What’s even better about being a graduate in 2012 is that there is very little stigma around the concept of being unemployed, or the idea of moving back home. 2012 graduates have a free pass to carry on making the most of their youth. You do, after all, have the rest of your lives for a steady full time job. There is a temptation to wallow in self-pity. Don’t. Go off and do things, a ski season, or teaching abroad for example. Build up your experiences while you don’t have the responsibility of having a job. It sounds cheesy but you’ve all been given the right to grow as people before entering the world of work.

So there you have it. 2012 postgrads will have more worldly experience, more professional experience, will be more appreciative of their jobs and salaries, will have a prolonged sense of youth and freedom. You have the opportunity to put yourselves out there without being judged if you fail. You have the most networking opportunities and are the most in tune with yourselves, all with less pressure from society. Five words: make the most of it. Persevere and stay positive through the hard bits, isn’t that what got you through your degree in the first place? It will happen. In the mean time, continue getting as much experience as possible. Above all, enjoy yourself while you do so.

Check out Corin’s blog http://corinleigh.wordpress.com/ or follow her on Twitter @CorinLeigh

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Leading graduate internship provider calls for a ‘Plan for Graduate Employment’

March 6th, 2012 by Hannah No comments »

Employment figures published today show that more than one in three recent graduates are employed in lower skilled jobs. Commenting on today’s figures, leading graduate internship provider, Inspiring Interns called on the Government to give more priority to graduate unemployment including by reviewing the controversial Work Experience Programme to ensure that high quality placements are available to graduates.

Today’s figures demonstrate that, in a tough job market, graduates are remaining unemployed for lengthy periods or finding work that does not make best use of their education. Inspiring Interns have entered into a ground breaking agreement with Job Centre Plus to ensure that unemployed graduates can receive benefits whilst carrying out an internship.  However they are pushing for higher quality opportunities for graduates on the Government’s Work Experience Programme

Inspiring Interns Communications Director and author of Brilliant Intern, Andrew Scherer believes internships can be an innovative solution to helping jobless university leavers;

“65% of interns placed by II go on to full time paid roles – way above the national rate of 50% on work experience.  But internships should be predominantly about mentoring and teaching the intern so that employers feel confident that they will be valued and knowledgeable employees. There should be scope for paid employment after the internship period providing the intern has met the expectations of their employers.”

Inspiring Interns use innovative matching techniques such as video CVs to help graduates stand out in a very competitive labour market. The use of video CVs has been key to Inspiring Interns’ high level of client satisfaction believes Communications Director, Andrew Scherer:

“We have found that employers value video CVs in the recruitment process as it allows hiring managers to go beyond the paper CV and really get a feel for an applicant’s personality.”

Inspiring Intern Sophie Bennett, a French and Management Studies graduate had been applying for jobs for a while without success before she gained an internship through our services. Sophie has since been taken on by her host company and had this to say about her internship experience;

“My internship enabled me to gain my permanent position, without it I would not have been introduced to the company and the opportunity.”

Since being founded in 2009, London’s leading internship provider has placed over 1,400 graduates into internships with SMEs that have offered real hands-on experience, 65% of whom secured full-time work with their host company. 

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Networking: create your own opportunities – guest blog

March 1st, 2012 by Guest No comments »

Written by resident guest blogger, Danielle Furbert.

Ever heard the saying “it’s who you know, not what you know” – well this statement pretty much sums up the advantages that can come as a result of networking. Many of you have probably heard the term ‘networking’ on numerous occasions, however some of us may not fully understand the importance of it and have the tools to essentially know how to network.

One of the main reasons networking is so important is because of the numerous opportunities it presents. These opportunities range from meeting new people, learning new information, potential job or internship prospects and so on. Knowing the right people and knowing what they know, can lead you to many successes in both the near and far future during your lifetime.

However, it is important that you understand that networking is not simply about meeting someone and expecting something in return. It will not automatically get you a job and you should never feel a sense of entitlement from the people with whom you are networking with. Networking is a give and take process, and it is about building, maintaining and fostering relationships and constantly keeping the lines of communication open, so that the potential for new opportunities remains. Relationship building is an ongoing process, and it is how you build this relationship that is the key to successful networking.

For those of you who have ever interned, volunteered or worked for organisations, the biggest piece of advice I can give is to network with the people who you have met. Many companies have an ‘our team’ page on their website. Read employees bios and any articles, blogs, presentations, speeches they have done. Reach out to these individuals, by either emailing them or adding them as a LinkedIn connection and make an introduction of yourself, expressing your interests and career aspirations. Don’t be afraid to ask them if they would be willing to meet with you and have a chat. This is how you can build relationships.

With the growth of the internet and social media, networking becomes both an online and offline experience. The availability of information about people can be easily accessed across the internet. Whether you are building or maintaining a relationship, the internet has changed the way we can network and enhanced the offline experience.

LinkedIn is a fantastic tool that can and should be used to both build and nurture relationships in the virtualenvironment. It provides a way for you to brand yourself and create a unique identity. If you haven’t already, create a profile on LinkedIn and begin by adding your career objectives, education, work experience and so forth.

Ways to use LinkedIn:

• Search for companies that specialise is the area you want to start your career in and follow them
• Join groups that engage students and graduates, as well as those that cater to your career goals and engage in conversation with group members
• Find people that you want to connect with by looking at their educational and professional background in order to find out how they got to where they are today
• Contact those individuals and them ask questions and advice; show an interest in what they have done, as well as your personal enthusiasm for the career sector you’ve chosen.

Connecting with people online is an amazing opportunity for students and graduates due to the amount of people you can reach. However, while having an online experience is important, I must stress that the offline networking experience is and will always be just as significant. At the end of the day, face to face communication will always be valued and will often strengthen a relationship even more than a virtual one.

There are many ways to effectively network offline. For students and graduates, the best offline networking includes university fairs and events held specifically for networking purposes. These events give you an opportunity to verbally engage in conversation with people in a professional environment. It is also a way for you to present your personal characteristics such as your passion, charisma and dedication to gain experience that will help you on your career journey. Whatever your strengths may be an in person conversation is the perfect way to show these off.

While engaging in conversation with people, make sure you have your CV and personal business cards in hand. These are tools that will reinforce your brand image. You can also include your LinkedIn account on your CV and business cards, as a way to reinforce your eagerness to maintain communication. Ensure that you also receive personal business cards from individuals with whom you have networked with. It is crucial that you follow up with these individuals after the events. For example send them an email thanking them for taking the time to speak with you, ask if you can meet with them in person; anything that keeps the communication going. It is not enough to simply exchange information once. People will forget who you are unless you reach out to them and maintain conversation with them.

For students and graduates, networking is an important tool to use when trying to reach your career goals. Networking is all about engaging in conversation and building relationships that can and will in turn create new relationships and opportunities. It is up to you to put yourself out there and take the next step in building your personal network. You never know where you might end up as result of who you know.

If you have any questions for Danielle get in contact with her through her Twitter account @DFurbert

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Fantastic trading opportunity

February 27th, 2012 by Andy No comments »

Despite the global economic crisis of the last few years, the finance industry remains one of the most sought-after destinations for students after they graduate. Being at the cutting edge of major economic developments, having real responsibility, and healthy remuneration are all things that attract grads to this hugely competitive sector.

Such is the popularity of finance, many graduates find that having a relevant degree simply isn’t enough to secure a job in the industry. Often, an internship or an additional piece of training is essential to landing that coveted role.

Amplify trading provide fantastic opportunities for graduates to embark on a two month course where they will learn the intricacies of working on the trading floor through practical experience and advanced theory. At the end of the course students will be comfortable trading across asset classes in real time with a deep practical understanding of how financial markets are driven by macroeconomic fluctuations and global developments. Many of their trainees go on to work for London’s major investment banks and the Bank of England – their programme is a fantastic way to set you apart from your peers. For more information please watch this short video:

Inspiring Interns have arranged a fantastic opportunity for one graduate to join this course and have the cost of the fees, which amounts to £1,700, completely subsidised.  To apply for this please click here and send your CV.

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Inspiring Interns Vacancies